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System for controlling an implanted neural stimulator

  • US RE33,420 E
  • Filed: 09/12/1988
  • Issued: 11/06/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/17/1984
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A neural stimulating system for permitting patient control of a neural stimulator within preset limits in response to an externally and manually applied magnetic field, said neural stimulating system comprising:

  • a magnet for use by the patient;

    a magnetically controlled switch for implantation in a patient'"'"'s body just beneath the patient'"'"'s skin and for being positioned at a location in the body for selective closing by application of an external magnetic field as established by placing said magnet over the patient'"'"'s skin adjacent said switch;

    a neural stimulating electrode for implantation in a patient'"'"'s spine adjacent the patient'"'"'s spinal cord; and

    a neural stimulator including programmable electronic circuit means for implantation in a patient'"'"'s body, such as adjacent said switch, said circuit means being electrically coupled to said magnetically controlled switch and to said neural stimulating electrode and said circuit means including means for generating .[.a selective.]. .Iadd.neural stimulating .Iaddend.electrical output current .Iadd.pulses of a selected magnitude .Iaddend.between a minimum level of .[.zero.]. current, programmed into said circuit means and a maximum level .Iadd.of current .Iaddend.programmed .[.by a physician.]. into said circuit means in response to closing of and duration of the closure of said magnetically controlled switch, .[.which.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.output current .Iadd.pulses being .Iaddend..[.is.]. supplied to said neural stimulating electrode,said means for generating .[.an.]. output current .Iadd.pulses .Iaddend.including means for .[.generating.]. gradually.[.,.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.incrementally .[.increasing.]. .Iadd.changing the magnitude of the .Iaddend.neural stimulating electrical output current pulses, in response to the application of the externally applied magnetic field to said magnetically controlled switch for a predetermined period of time.

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